140 terrorists were on stand-by to kill people if they voted in Srinagar polls

A military intelligence report confirms yet again the role of Pakistan in fuelling the violence that took place at Srinagar during the by-elections. However what is more shocking is that the Inter-Services Intelligence had ensured that 140 terrorists were kept on stand-by to disrupt the elections had people come out in large numbers.

The IB says that it was clear that a plan was afloat to disrupt the elections.

The plan was in the offing for over a month and despite the Home ministry warning the Election Commission about the same, the elections were held.

Pakistan plan was a success as it ensured that just 8 per cent voted in the by-election which was won by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. The first signs that there would be trouble was picked up when the IB overheard chatter between a terrorist and his handler.

The IB says that it was clear that a plan was afloat to disrupt the elections. The plan was then conveyed to Zakir Radhid Bhatt of the Hizbul Mujahideen who then went on to send out a video message. In the message, he warns the people that they should not come out and vote.

IB officials say that there were at least 140 terrorists both Pakistani and Indian on standby to ensure that the by-elections were not a success. Had the people come out in large numbers to vote, the terrorists may have just struck big, the IB officer also said.

Aiding the terrorists were the separatists who also did their bit in ensuring that the elections were not a success. They had beaten up PDP workers in Pulwama district and this was a warning to them to ensure that no one came out and voted. It may be recalled that a Peoples Democratic Party leader was forced to chant anti-India slogans and the video of the same was circulated.